Earthquakes Near Palm Springs Today
Live answer from USGS data — every earthquake within 150 km (93 mi) of Palm Springs, California.
Checking live USGS data near Palm Springs…
Why Palm Springs gets earthquakes
Palm Springs lies directly inside the San Andreas fault zone — the Banning and Mission Creek strands run along the north side of the Coachella Valley, within a few miles of downtown. The southern San Andreas here has not ruptured in a major quake since around 1690 and is considered one of the most 'loaded' fault segments in California.
The 1986 North Palm Springs earthquake (M5.9) injured dozens and damaged buildings across the valley, and the 1992 Landers (M7.3) and Joshua Tree (M6.1) quakes shook the area hard. The San Jacinto fault zone, California's most active, runs along the valley's southwest side.
Palm Springs earthquake FAQ
▸Did Palm Springs just have an earthquake?
The live panel at the top of this page checks the USGS catalog for every earthquake within 150 km of Palm Springs and answers in one line. Keep in mind USGS data lags real shaking by roughly 2–3 minutes in California and up to ~8 minutes in other regions — if you felt something seconds ago, refresh shortly.
▸What faults cause earthquakes near Palm Springs?
The Banning and Mission Creek strands of the San Andreas fault run right along the Coachella Valley next to Palm Springs, and the highly active San Jacinto fault zone lies to the southwest. The 1986 North Palm Springs M5.9 quake came from the Banning strand.
▸What magnitude earthquake can you feel in Palm Springs, CA?
Close to the epicenter, people typically begin to feel earthquakes around magnitude 2.5–3.0. An M4+ is felt across a wide area and rattles objects; M5+ can damage buildings near the epicenter. Shallow quakes feel stronger than deep ones of the same magnitude, and soft soils amplify shaking.
▸What should I do if I feel an earthquake in Palm Springs?
Drop, Cover, and Hold On — get low, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until shaking stops. Afterward, check for hazards like gas leaks, and expect possible aftershocks. If you're in a coastal area and the shaking is strong or lasts a long time, move inland or to high ground. Official guidance: ready.gov/earthquakes.